31 RGC 1404 - SALE JETS 17


Man of the match Nathan Rees scored two scintillating tries from the right wing in RGC1404’s 31-17 win over Sale Jets last night at Parc Eirias, Colwyn Bay.
His first came after 3 minutes when from a pass by fullback Ciaran Hearn which saw Rees speed to the line. Michael Raikes playing at 10 converted. The Jets responded with fast flowing rugby but it was a penalty, by Jack Turton that gave them their first points,15 minutes into the game. Raikes replied with three penalties and by half time the score was 16-3
The Gogs were in fine form against a hesitant visiting side, The Jets had plenty to think about at the interval, including how they were a man up after prop Doug Wooldridge was shown a yellow card on 22 minutes and yet conceded three points during his absence.
The second half started disastrously for The Jets, Chauncey O'Toole, outstanding in the recent game against Worcester took as pass from Rees to crash over. Centre Moorhouse, increases in confidence and delivery with each match and produced two strong runs. The second one started the buildup for the Gogs' third try. Quick ball, from a tackle and ruck, to gave the deadly Rees his brace of tries. Raikes converted..
The Jets finally strung together some concerted threequarter play, setting up Ian Kench for a try after 61 minutes, Turton converting. Tom Brady then made a great run down the left, fed Eddie Stobart, but the replacement was bundled into touch. The Jets' pressure told again after 69 minutes, Mark Atkinson crossing the line from close range for Turton to convert.
Raikes was in fine kicking form and a penalty at 71 mins took the score to 31-17, and the visiting cause wasn't helped when Sale’s Cameron Thompson was shown the game's second yellow card.
Watched by a crowd of over 600 this was another shot in the arm for North Wales regional rugby.